I’ve been looking forward to this EP launch for quite some time. Ashen Reach are one of the new bands I follow, who have raised the bar, with their contemporary and innovative way of producing music. The debut ‘Homecoming’ was very special and my album of the year for 2020, it brought another aspect into modern metal and led the way to encourage bands, to break down barriers and move outside boxes. Watching them live is always off the scale, they put heart and soul into every note and leave you awestruck. Tonight at The Giffard Arms there are 3 bands on, so time to head for Wolverhampton. I see the back of two men with the longest hair, sat outside when I arrive, it’s Paddy and Joe from the headliners, taking timeout and leaving it to the last moment to go inside, it’s really hot and clammy in there they tell me ! A sold out show as well, I can’t believe I brought my leather jacket. I get a drink from the bar and chat to friends while waiting for the doors and organiser Brett Hall is running around making sure everything is in place and ready. A little late but we are soon upstairs in the Giff’ and the first band are on stage moments later.
EUROPA REIGN – Not many bands can boast their first gig was a sell out, but it’s happened to these guys! This five strong Wolverhampton outfit are fronted by the kilt wearing, Andy Owen ( Lynus, White Crow) who boldly advertises the bands logo on his sporran. Yes, this is the debut for ‘Europa Reign’ and it’s already boiling in here as they fire up ‘Villainous’ the first of five on the setlist. This is absorbing and ruthless from the off, Andy is a well experienced frontman and before long has a grip on the punters, who are nestled together like a bunch of hatchlings. He and other band members, have known each other from previous projects, so the rapport is there already. ‘Rust’ and the catchy threads of ‘Shoulda Known Better’ follow and bassist Johnny Snow demonstrates why he was chosen to compete the line up, full of fun loving antics at the back of the stage, he adds charm and chaos to the show. Finally there’s ‘Broken Heart’ and ’Treachery’ with a mini drum solo by Jamie Roberts, who we all agree looks around 13 years of age but is in fact 25 !! Impressive career start from ‘Europa Reign’, they have a decent pile of merchandise too.
Head over to their FACEBOOK page and give them a like.
FALLING BELOW – Is another five piece, this time from the Nottingham area, describing themselves as hard rock/ alternative metal, you may know vocalist Alex James Methven from his days playing bass in ‘The Addiction’ with his brother Adam (Fallen State). They began writing in 2020, but this is only their second live appearance, although they have a self titled five track EP, that dropped last year. A set of six songs tonight and many are off that ‘Falling Below’ debut. ‘Liar’ rolls in like a tempest and it’s immediately apparent that Alex has a vocal talent to match his brothers. ‘Liar’ is heavily weighted and post grunge in many respects, the guitar of Christo Loukopoulos adds intricate strings and the overall effect is exceptional. Having a second guitarist by way of Adam Martin is a vital part of the jigsaw, for this band to have durability and resilience. ‘Save Me’ comes in with more dashing guitar and the back section, Ryan Hextall on drums and bassist Harley Bicknall, provide the unchallenged and menacing rhythm. No extra leg room on the stage and it’s increasingly warm in here, even with the windows open, so the sweat is dripping. The new ’No Way Back’ has more fiery vehemence, cementing this set as one with fervour. The most emphatic and passionate song must be ’Second Encounter’, watch the official video below to grasp how mesmerising Alex is and what power driven lyrics –
‘I feel a storm inside.The pulverising tide.The time you waste, is lost inside the grave.’
The EP also has an acoustic version, which is beautiful and totally engrossing.
After such a significant few minutes, that brought the house down, we recover quickly and they cover Tremonti’s ‘The Things I’ve Seen’. It’s a respectful version and the crowd appreciate this bands combined skills, with applause and cheers. They end on ‘Memories’ another from the EP and the softer intro soon gains momentum. Songs that confront grief, loss and disloyalty ‘Falling Below’ made their mark tonight, hopefully they will return to Wolverhampton soon.
Stream the debut EP here:
https://earache.lnk.to/FallingBelow
ASHEN REACH – Returning to the main room after getting some fresh air (and gossip) on the outside balcony, the headliners are preparing to grace the stage. ‘Broken Column’ is the choice opener from the remarkable debut album ‘Homecoming’. The intro with Paddy Cummings and Joe O’Sullivan’s combined shredding, (yes they came indoors eventually), blasts around the room like shrapnel. Kyle Martyn Stanley grabs his mic and undertakes his task, to lay waste to the Giffard’s ceiling. The stabbing riff of ‘Heir To The Throne’ gets everyone bouncing, such a pleasure to hear these songs live. Ashen Reach are outstanding on record, but watching them perform, they turn the dials up to annihilate. A few technical problems are soon resolved and ‘Alive Again’ chimes with resonance. Jess Stanley thumps her bass drum and this epic song is rolled out. The Giffard is sold out tonight and despite the heat it’s still packed with an audience who are like one, jumping and clapping in unison. ‘Prey’ has a haunting factor with Kyles spoken introductory lyrics. It grows with pressure, a steady increase of tension, just like a predator slowly moving towards its target. These songs are just as encapsulating as when initially heard and you’d need the sharpest knife possible to slice the atmosphere in here. ‘Epiphany’ is loud and abrasive, it has all the stunning quality that Ashen Reach provide and we are bouncing again. Kyle is on another level, his timing is perfect, throwing himself into this gig with tremendous energy.
Tonight is the launch show for the new EP ‘Fear’ and all five tracks are on the setlist. A theme revolving around peoples anxieties and the song ‘Ghosts’ is about a haunted house. You can place this in the heart of what the Merseyside band want to achieve, twisting that sharp knife even more, into the warm air. Fearful yes, what a despicable and stunning idea for an EP ! ‘D1v1de’ is hasty and there are more subdued vocals, raised above the mighty riffing. It has a few softer edges, to ensure there’s a balance, but there’s no escaping that final onslaught, truly incredible to witness this. ‘Neophobia’ is bang up to date regarding our fears, ‘AI’ and new technology in general, is frightening for many of us. This song is no less powerful, the foreboding lyrics mingle with a showering of guitar chords that jostle and the deathly shouts are well scary. Another major fear is of ‘The Dark’ which also strays from the path, having the most turbulent riff in existence. Needless to say are heads are nodding violently to this sensational number. ‘Lost’ is symphonic, orchestral and moves with thunderous rhythm. The official and graphic video, with someone lost at sea, is one to savour on the bands YouTube channel. Here on stage it’s getting all the love it deserves and as Kyle thanks us all for tonight the notes of ‘Homecoming’ are heard, the last song to round off the evening and boy the whole room gets frantic. The feeling of being in among a mass of people, seemingly joined together with the magnetism of Ashen Reach, is unbelievable. The electricity between us is profound and you can’t help but feel this has been one hell of an experience. Completely insane and it takes a while to come down, I enjoyed the show that much.
Three bands and a night of amazing talent. ‘The Giffard’ has an atmosphere like no other, it’s not the first time I’ve been bowled over in there. Big welcome to the scene for ‘Europa Reign’, I envisage we’ll be seeing a lot more of them and ‘Falling Below’ have so much going for them, remember to grab their EP. As for ‘Ashen Reach’ well there’s no stopping them, they are on the road to musical immortality. Be sure to see them this year, they are appearing at numerous festivals.
ASHEN REACH – FACEBOOK YOUTUBE
LINK TO ‘THE FEAR’ EP REVIEW – HERE
Photo Credit & thanks to – Ruskin Roader
